If you're seeking a silver lining from the past couple of months, remote working has given more homeowners the chance to spruce up their properties.

Research commissioned by Bunnings found 64% of people surveyed were tackling DIY once a month, and two in five were planning on sprucing up their gardens in the coming months.

"We've seen an increase in popularity across all plant types over the past few months," Bunnings national greenlife buyer Alex Newman told News Limited. "Our customers are tackling everything in the garden from growing their own food to updating their garden landscapes, as well as adding greenery inside their homes with indoor plants."

Michelle Mackay, Co-Principal of Raine & Horne Bathurst, agrees the last few months had given homeowners more time to spring-clean their homes. "Yet the first step most homeowners should take to create a happy place won't involve standing in a line at a hardware store," Michelle says. "Decluttering your home is the best way to freshen up your presentation. Go through drawers, cupboards, wardrobes, and rooms to get rid of the excess."

Michelle recommends that a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most economical ways to revitalise a home and add value. "A fresh coat of paint will make a room look bigger and more inviting," she advises. "If you are considering selling in the short to medium term, be sure to choose warm, neutral tones.

"Warm whites, such as Whisper White, Hog Bristle Quarter and White Dune, seem to be popular choices at the moment."

Also, consider the kitchen and bathrooms as part of your spring clean, suggests Michelle. "Particularly if there is a plan to sell the property, female buyers will take careful note of the state of the bathroom and kitchen." 

To spruce up the bathroom, spend time thoroughly cleaning it, including adding some grout to tiles where necessary. Low-cost kitchen hacks include creating more space by clearing away unnecessary bench clutter. Perhaps leave just a couple of shinier appliances on show, along with a bowl with some seasonal fruits of choice. Polish up ovens, hotplates, and sinks and remove any papery flotsam such as school bulletins from 2012 from the refrigerator door. 

For more tips on sprucing up your home, whether you are planning a sale or not, contact your local Raine & Horne agent.